Women You Should Know: Beth Demke

Executive Director of North Dakota’s Gateway to Science (NDGTS)

By Arielle Windham
Empowered by Ladyboss Lifestyle

Bismarck Woman Finds Purpose Bringing Science To All

For Beth Demke, executive director of North Dakota’s Gateway to Science (NDGTS), the formula for success isn’t the neat, polished equation at the end of an experiment. Rather, it’s the whole journey from hypothesis to conclusion.

“We have this idea as a society that the path to success involves getting good grades and attending the prescribed four years of college for a particular program,” Demke said. “At the end of that program, you will become something—fill in the blank with whatever profession.”

This model limits creativity, though.

“Things have not been defined for our young people,” Demke said. “There are jobs out there that haven’t been invented yet! We focus on career connections so students and their parents understand how a STEM background can open up opportunities in our state.”

For 30 years, Demke and NDGTS have engineered opportunities that connect North Dakota students to the jobs of the future in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). As the team prepares for an exciting summer of programming both in Bismarck and across the state, we caught up with Beth Demke to talk about success, science, and STEM.

The Science of Success

Opening the Gates of Knowledge

“When Frank Koch and Tina Stroh brought the project idea for a hands-on science center to the BismarckMandan Junior Service League, I was president of that organization,” Demke said. “The two groups— science professionals and JSL members—formed a powerful partnership. The science professionals designed and built the exhibits, and they also provided engaging educational programs. JSL members assisted with the organizational structure, organizing the volunteer schedule, and the financial recordkeeping.”

While Demke didn’t have a background in science or education, the NDGTS team quickly realized that she had the right qualities to help lead the organization.

“A lot of people will assume that I’m either a scientist or an educator,” she said. “But we already had that skill set.

What we really needed to run the place was someone who understood business, accounting, and people. I’ve often said my passion is helping people find their passion. I enjoy finding ways to fit people with the things they are good at, matching their talents to the project needs. We needed someone to get the right people into the right places.”

The best leaders recognize the talent of individuals around them and work to position them in places where they can do the most good. In this way, Demke has helped influence NDGTS’ trajectory over the last three decades, watching it grow from a small group of dedicated scientists, educators, and volunteers into a state-of-the-art scientific destination that promotes STEM accessibility for all North Dakota students.

Building a sense of belonging

The journey hasn’t always been an easy one, though.

“STEM became an acronym around 2010, nearly 16 years after NDGTS started inspiring the discovery of science through hands-on experiences,” Demke said. As the first organization of its kind in North Dakota, the NDGTS team had a lot of ground to cover, both literally and figuratively.

“The rural nature of our state, with few larger population centers, can result in an inequality of opportunity for students,” she said. “I understand what that feels like. I grew up at a time and in a place when girls weren’t encouraged to pursue careers in science. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) are important to make sure STEM opportunities are made available to everyone. However, I think ‘B’ for belonging is the most critical aspect of broadening opportunity. It reminds us that inclusion is more than a numbers game. Without a sense of belonging, it’s easy for anyone to become discouraged and potentially drop out of STEM programs.”

STEM for Everyone

The journey hasn’t always been an easy one, though.

The NDGTS team has worked diligently to foster a sense of belonging across the entire state through its new science center in Bismarck and a mobile “Gateway to Science on the Go” program that brings STEM directly to students. This program recently expanded to include a second van, increasing outreach opportunities.

Additionally, NDGTS is excited to mark one year in their new facility this summer.

“The new facility supports our team’s efforts in obvious ways,” Demke said, “with more room for exhibits, larger groups, classroom space, and more. Also, we can host events like science fairs and robotics competitions that we could never have hosted in our former location. This means more direct connections are made between students and our STEM programs. Community and private events provide earned income to support the mission and introduce our facility to people who might not otherwise have a reason to visit.

North Dakota’s Gateway to Science Building

We now have a home base that supports our statewide outreach program.”

It promises to be a busy summer for NDGTS. Demke and the team are currently preparing for a full schedule of STEM Adventure Camps planned for elementary and middle school students as well as a special 30th-anniversary celebration planned for the weekend of July 20-21 with family-friendly entertainment and activities. Learn more about programming and opportunities at gatewaytoscience.org.

“STEM shouldn’t be an exclusive club where only certain students get to participate,” Demke said. “Each time I see parents or grandparents actively engaged with their children in the gallery, I realize how far we’ve come. We’ve built an incredibly talented and dedicated team who are continually looking for new ways to expand our audience and share their passion for STEM.”

Check out all the fun at North Dakota’s Gateway to Science—there’s something for every age to explore.